In a specially recorded video message to his Singapore fans and played at the launch of the IPTL at Theatreworks yesterday, Djokovic said: "I have such a great team, and we are going to rock the stage!"

Prateek Gupta, chairman of UD Group and franchise owner of the Slammers, is excited to have the world No. 1 lead Singapore's team.

He said: "Djokovic is one of the greatest players in the game and to have him represent Singapore is a rare honour.

"We hope all of Singapore will get behind him and the rest of the Slammers come December.

"It's time to play differently and embrace a fresh and exciting tennis concept."

TWO YEARS

Unlike last year, the composition of players for all teams will be for two years instead of one season.

Singapore's team in the inaugural season included world No. 1 Williams and former world No. 1 Andre Agassi. The team finished bottom of the four-team league.

The team-based, multi-nation tennis league has expanded to five teams for its second edition, with the Japan Warriors joining the line-up.

The five-city swing begins on Dec 2 in Japan and culminates at the Singapore's Indoor Stadium for the grand finale.

Another change will see the top two teams in the league play off to determine the champions on Dec 20 in Singapore.

Modelled largely on cricket's Indian Premier League, the IPTL features an abbreviated format of tennis - including innovations such as a shot clock and power points.

"Our inaugural season saw past, present and future champions playing in front of packed audiences across Asia. Both players and fans enjoyed our 'new code' of tennis," said former Indian doubles champion, Mahesh Bhupathi, who is the IPTL's founder and managing director.

"We are glad to have been able to expand the tournament to Japan. The idea is always going to be one team per country.

"We want to take things step by step and our ultimate goal is to reach eight teams by 2020."